sich irren
to be mistaken
To have a false assumption or make a mistake; to be wrong.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich habe mich in der Hausnummer geirrt.
Sorry, I was mistaken about the house number.
irren
to err / wander
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Meanings
irren
to wander
To wander or walk around aimlessly without knowing the right way.
EXAMPLE
Der verirrte Wanderer irrte stundenlang durch den Wald.
The lost hiker wandered through the forest for hours.
irren ist menschlich
to err is human
A fixed expression that means it is normal and forgivable to make mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Vorwürfe wegen des Fehlers, denn irren ist menschlich.
Don't blame yourself for the mistake, because to err is human.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'irren' (to err / wander) is closely related to the noun 'der Irrtum' (the error/mistake). When you are mistaken, you make an error.
EXAMPLE
Sein Glaube, das Projekt sei einfach, war ein großer Irrtum.
His belief that the project was easy was a big mistake.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich täuschen' (to be mistaken), 'irren' is always used reflexively. The thing you are mistaken about is often indicated with the preposition 'in' (+ dative).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich im Datum geirrt, das Treffen ist erst morgen.
I was mistaken about the date; the meeting isn't until tomorrow.
Context clue
The non-reflexive form 'irren' means 'ziellos umherwandern' (to wander aimlessly). This use is rare and rather literary or poetic.
EXAMPLE
Verloren irrte der Ritter durch den dunklen Wald.
Lost, the knight wandered through the dark forest.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Irren ist menschlich' (to err is human) is a fixed proverb. It is used to excuse or put a mistake into perspective.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge wegen des kleinen Fehlers. Irren ist menschlich.
Don't worry about the small mistake. To err is human.
In real life
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